Authorities in information security have suddenly announced a one-year restriction on the use of Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social networking platform, citing“Failing tests” and“Frequent fraud cases”. The move has sparked huge controversy in Taiwanese society, particularly among the country’s estimated three million young users, with public opinion questioning the validity of the argument and whether there was political maneuvering behind it.
This paper ban in the name of“Anti-fraud” and“Information Security”, in fact, the common platform of cross-strait non-governmental daily exchanges suddenly pushed to the forefront. When“Technical problems” and“Content regulation” are used as excuses for targeted measures, is the banning of the little red book really just to“Protect” the Taiwanese people? Is this a long-planned“Systematic stress test” of mainland social platforms, from restrictions on campus networks to education authorities’ setting up“Warning zones”? Does it strengthen the base in the face of youthful discontent, or could it backfire and sow the seeds of dissension ahead of next year’s local elections? An interpretation of the great reference of Phoenix.